NFL Week 1 2018: Final score prediction for Bucs vs. Saints

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers kick off their 2018 regular season with a tall task, heading to New Orleans to face the Saints, the defending champions of their division.

Both teams will be missing a key offensive player due to suspension, as Bucs quarterback Jameis Winston and Saints running back Mark Ingram will both be absent for Sunday’s game.

But the Bucs got a late and disappointing surprise to their lineup when Brent Grimes suffered a groin injury that will keep him out of the lineup Sunday. That will leave Tampa Bay without their best corner, putting added pressure on Vernon Hargreaves III and second-round rookies M.J. Stewart and Carlton Davis to keep future Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees and his vast array of explosive weapons at bay.

Tampa Bay should get improved pass rush from new additions like Jason Pierre-Paul and Vinny Curry, but they’ll have to make a massive impact to keep Brees from taking advantage of a susceptible Bucs secondary.

On offense, the Bucs have the offensive playmakers to hang with the Saints in a shootout, but can veteran backup Ryan Fitzpatrick fully maximize their potential?

Expect the Bucs to stay in this game with some big plays of their own on both sides of the ball, but in the end, Brees and the Saints will have too much firepower, putting the game away with a late touchdown drive.